Can You Get a Car Loan If Youโ€™ve Recently Changed Jobs?

๐Ÿ“… Does Changing Jobs Affect Car Loan Approval?

Yes! Lenders prefer applicants with stable employment because it shows consistent income and ability to make repayments.

However, getting a car loan after recently changing jobs is still possible if you meet certain criteria.


๐Ÿ” How Long Do You Need to Be Employed to Get a Car Loan?

Lenders have different rules about how long you need to be in your job before applying.

Time in Current Job Approval Chances Lenderโ€™s View
โœ… 12+ months Very High Considered stableโ€”most lenders approve.
โš ๏ธ 6-12 months Possible Some lenders may approve, depending on other factors.
โŒ Less than 3 months Low High riskโ€”most lenders will decline.
๐Ÿš€ New Job But Same Industry (3+ months) Moderate More likely to be approved if staying in the same field.

If youโ€™ve just started a new job, waiting at least 3-6 months before applying can improve your approval chances.


โœ… How to Get a Car Loan If Youโ€™ve Recently Changed Jobs

If you just started a new job, follow these steps to increase approval chances:

1๏ธโƒฃ Show Proof of Stable Income โ€“ Provide payslips and bank statements from your new job.
2๏ธโƒฃ Stay in the Same Industry โ€“ Lenders prefer applicants who move within the same field.
3๏ธโƒฃ Have a Strong Credit Score โ€“ A good credit score offsets job instability.
4๏ธโƒฃ Consider a Secured Loan โ€“ Using the car as collateral reduces lender risk.
5๏ธโƒฃ Use a Finance Broker โ€“ A broker can find lenders that accept new job applicants.

If youโ€™ve changed jobs recently but have a strong financial profile, some lenders will still approve your car loan.


๐Ÿšจ Can You Get a Car Loan While on Probation?

Yes, but itโ€™s harder. Many lenders prefer applicants who have completed their probation period, which is typically 3-6 months.

If youโ€™re on probation, you can improve your chances by:

โœ… Applying after 3+ months of consistent income.
โœ… Providing a contract showing long-term employment.
โœ… Using a guarantor (if available).

If banks decline your application, a finance broker can find alternative lenders who approve new employees.


๐Ÿš€ Why a Finance Broker Can Help If Youโ€™ve Changed Jobs

If banks reject your car loan due to recent job changes, a finance broker can help by:

โœ… Finding lenders that accept applicants with new jobs.
โœ… Matching you with a car loan that fits your employment history.
โœ… Helping you avoid unnecessary credit checks that lower your score.

If youโ€™ve recently changed jobs but need a car, donโ€™t risk rejection! ๐Ÿš—๐Ÿ’จ A finance broker can help you get approved with the right lender.


If youโ€™ve just started a new job but need a car loan, you still have options! A finance broker can match you with lenders who approve new employees.

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.

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All Your Questions Answered

What is a car loan and how does it work?

A car loan is a finance product where a lender provides funds for you to purchase a vehicle, which you repay over time with interest.

Whatโ€™s the difference between secured and unsecured car loans?

Secured loans use the car as collateral, often leading to lower interest rates. Unsecured loans donโ€™t, but usually have higher rates.

What loan terms are available for car finance?

Most car loans offer terms from 3 to 7 years. Find out what term suits you best.

How is interest calculated on a car loan?

Interest is based on the loan amount, term, and rate. Fixed-rate loans have predictable repayments, while variable rates can change.

Can I get a car loan for a private sale?

Yes, many lenders accept private sellers. Youโ€™ll need to provide extra documents.

Do government employees get lower interest rates on car loans?

Yes โ€” many lenders offer better rates due to your stable income. Explore finance options for government employees.

Can I apply for a car loan while on probation?

Yes. Many workers are approved during probation.

What credit score do I need as a government employee?

A score of 650+ is ideal, but lower scores may still be considered.

Are corporate professionals eligible for low-rate finance?

Yes, especially if you're full-time with strong income.

Can I get car finance with a novated lease?

Yes, many government departments support novated leasing.

Can I get a car loan with no credit history?

Yes, it's still possible to get a car loan with no credit history.

What if Iโ€™ve been declined elsewhere?

A broker can help restructure your application for better results.

How do I check my credit score?

Use Equifax, Experian, or Illion for a free check.

Can I get finance if I have a current personal loan?

Yes, if your income supports both loans. A broker will assess your capacity.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typically: ID, payslips, and bank statements.

Can casual workers get car loans?

Yes, if youโ€™ve worked consistently for 6+ months.

Can I apply if Iโ€™m self-employed with an ABN?

Yes. Consider a low-doc loan.

Can Centrelink be used as income?

Yes, when paired with PAYG income.

Whatโ€™s the minimum income to qualify for car finance?

Most lenders prefer $30,000+ annually, but this varies.

Can I apply on a fixed-term contract?

Yes, especially if itโ€™s government-backed.

Can I finance a used car?

Yes, most lenders allow used cars under 10 years old.

Can I get a loan for an SUV or family car?

Absolutely

Can I finance a caravan or motorbike?

Yes

Can I finance an EV or hybrid car?

Yes. You may even qualify for green car loan discounts.

Can I use my car for both work and personal use?

Yes you can.

What is a balloon payment?

Itโ€™s a lump sum due at the end of the loan term.

Can I make extra repayments?

Yes, many lenders allow this without penalty.

Can I pay off the loan early?

Yes โ€” ask if thereโ€™s an early payout fee.

Is there a deposit required?

Not always.

What loan terms are available?

1 to 7 years is standard.

How long does approval take?

24โ€“48 hours in most cases

Can I apply online?

Yes โ€” most lenders and brokers accept online applications.

Is a broker better than going direct?

Often, yes. They can compare lenders for you.

Can I get pre-approved?

Yes โ€” and it gives you better negotiating power at the dealership.

What happens after I apply?

Your documents are reviewed, and if approved, the lender issues funds to the seller.

Can I get a loan with a visa?

Do I need a driverโ€™s licence to apply?

Yes, but learners may qualify with a co-applicant.

Can I apply with someone else?

Yes, joint applications are allowed.

Can I refinance my current car loan?

Yes โ€” it can lower your repayments or get you a better rate.

Can I trade in my old car as a deposit?

Yes, many lenders accept trade-ins toward the deposit.

Can nurses get car finance?

Can teachers apply while on contract?

Do defence personnel get special car loan rates?

Yes, in some cases. Your job security is a major advantage.

Can FIFO government workers apply?

Yes โ€” consistency in income matters more than job location.

Can I apply if Iโ€™m on maternity leave?

Yes, especially if youโ€™re returning to work. Hereโ€™s how.

Can I use car finance to buy interstate?

Yes โ€” just make sure the seller provides all required documents.

Can I finance a car from an auction?

Yes, but only through select lenders. Ask your broker first.

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Only if you apply to multiple lenders directly. Brokers help protect your score.

Can I get a car loan if Iโ€™ve been bankrupt before?

What if I want to upgrade my car before the loan ends?

You can sell the car, pay off the loan early, or refinance.